He was right, and Mercedes didn’t want to pry, though she had a feeling there was a more to this story than Magnus was letting on.
“I suppose so.” She smiled at him and then reached out and took his hand It was so strong and it felt so good to do that. “Friends.”
Magnus gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Exactly.”
Their gazes locked across the table. Her pulse began to race as she stared into the eyes of the man she had been falling for over the MONZTR dating app. The ghoul she thought understood her.
This is what she wanted that night in Tallowfield at that restaurant.
Heat rushed through her, flooding her veins.
He’s your boss now,a little voice reminded her.
She pulled her hand away quickly. “Well, thank you for the coffee. I think I should get back to the dead-and-breakfast and finish the laundry.”
“Agreed.”
They both stood and returned their coffee cups to the counter. They didn’t say much as they stepped outside and walked in silence back to Room with a Tomb. She was glad they had decided to be friends, but she couldn’t help but wonder if that might be more dangerous for her heart, because a piece of her remembered the ghoul who’d texted her.
The ghoul she thought she wanted more from.
“I hopeyou informed him about wearing proper attire when he’s floating around the halls,” Lottie, the Victorian ghost lady who had a problem with Magnus’ state of undress, nattered in her ear.
“Lottie, I’m trying to do my work.” It was really hard to count towels while being berated. The ghosts at Room with a TombDead and Breakfast were getting a little too comfortable with her.
“Well, you went out with him. He bought you a drink. Surely you could’ve passed on that message.” She puffed up her chest like a pelican, her hands clasped in front of her like a proper lady.
“I did talk to him about it, Lottie. I swear.” Mercedes folded the last towel with a flourish and smiled at herself.
“I do not know why you find such satisfaction in menial work.” Lottie sniffed.
“I won’t take that personally,” Mercedes remarked, ignoring her. “Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to get on with my work.”
“I can see that my requests are just an effort in futility.” Lottie transformed into a ball of ectoplasmic energy, blowing past a stack of neatly folded towels and knocking it over as she left the room.
“For Hecate’s sake,” Mercedes cursed, picking up the towels.
“You okay?” Sven asked.
“Yes. Ghosts. They’re getting comfortable having someone to communicate with.”
A strange expression crossed Sven’s face. “One was in here?”
She cocked her head to the side. “Yes. A woman. Would you like me to introduce you?”
The moment Mercedes said the words, the unfriendly ghost, or whatever she was, partially stepped out from the wall she’d been lurking in. Though she didn’t seem to enjoy conversing, Mercedes was learning that she was never really far away. The ghost was constantly watching.
“What would be the point? I can’t see them.” Sven appeared uncomfortable, like he was trying to hide his curiosity.
“I didn’t mean to offend. I only ask because your brother was wondering about the ghosts. He said he was hoping some former friends were haunting here.”
“You and Magnus are getting along? That’s a relief.”
“You’re avoiding the question, Sven.”
“Don’t pester him,” the spirit with the green eyes warned. “Leave him alone.”
Mercedes spun around and shot a look at the spirit, but didn’t respond.
